how do you calm down/distract yourself in the middle of the night?

[knuckles]

Have you thought of splashing your face with cold water. It can reset your central nervous system a bit.

I don't believe I have - though reading it, I think it would be an obvious way to at least deal with the fear of slipping back into sleep too soon.

It has been quite at while since I was able to follow (and enjoy) most of the "adult" stuff. I tend to either loose focus and/or get upset - not sure what upsets me, but I think it has to do with most things "fake", manipulative, threatening, secretive etc. Probably why I am more comfortable with the entertainment aimed at children. It's usually more straight forward and without veiled agendas. Help let the hypervigilance bits re-settle maybe?

 

[knuckles]

Thinking about it, I believe I am actually hypervigilant when I wake up from a bad dream (if not all types, at least most of them). I know my heart pounds and my eyes dart around like a fly in a bottle. And there's a internal - and sometimes also external - trembling/shaking. But for some reason, many times there is a kind of drugged drowsiness plastered over it - seemingly eager to pull it all back into the dream. Feeling like I have to fight to stay awake, to stay safe, is a significant part of why I get so scared when I have bad dreams.
(don't think I have thought much about this before)
Will definitely try to remember the cold water splashing next time. It should be effective for this physiological aspect I think.

 

[Deleted member 47099]

Have you thought of splashing your face with cold water. It can reset your central nervous system a bit.

That's a really good idea!
Also, getting an ice pack and holding on to it tight... The shock of that icy coldness really helps distract your nervous system too, cos it's such an intense sensation.
You can place the ice pack on your forehead or the nape of your neck too, anywhere where the icy cold startles you a bit :)

 

[Lucycat]

I sometimes use my Safe Place in the middle of the night. I try to invent a story about it, and deliberately make myself work hard at finding the little details. I suppose what I am saying is distraction therapy just like all the other suggestions!

 

[katz]

I have always thought thru a childhood song. I have a few that help me go to sleep. Ironically, most of my nightmares come in the morning hours. Go figure.

 

[Hilario]

I have an alphabet game I play in my head. Going from A to Z reciting (in my head) the first word that comes to mind beginning with each letter. Sometimes I add a theme: fruits and veggies, boys' names, girls' names, countries, cities, etc.